What you need to know about a Slovenský Čuvač
A big, white, beautiful dog
The Slovenský Čuvač is an impressive, large, white dog; round head; pendant ears; expressive, dark brown eyes; thick, double coat with a slight wave and a woolly undercoat; bred only in white; black pigmentation on the nose, lips, around eyes; a well plumed, long tail; average weight for males is around 80-100 pounds, females about 68-82 pounds; height is 23-28 inches to the withers; females tend to be smaller, lighter; life expectancy 11-13 years; quick, light-footed and powerful; smaller than a Great Pyrenees dog.
A dual nature
The Čuvač has a dual nature. They were bred to instinctively guard flocks and their human family, with the power to kill a wolf or lynx and the determination and fearlessness to ward off a bear. Yet they show undying loyalty, affection and a playful nature to their owners, which makes them marvelous companion dogs. Understanding their dual nature of bonding with their family and an innate need to guard will help make a Čuvač an adored member of the family.
A loyal companion
A Slovenský Čuvač forms a strong bond with its family. Čuvačs want to be near you so they can watch over you. They want to be part of your life. As a working dog, they are bred to live with their flock and protect them. The flocks become the dog's family. But when living with humans, humans are the dog's family. But they are independent and will not smother you with affection. They are excellent walking-running companions, can be trained in agility, search and rescue, as service dogs and for other activities. They are also content to just be companions and home guardians.
A flock guardian
The Slovenský Čuvač is a courageous dog, dedicated to work and family. They were bred to protect home and farm. They instictively protect whatever they view as their flock and family. This protection is defensive not offensive. They are not attack dogs. They prefer to calmly wait and when necessary, intimidate and scare intruders away with barking, defensive postures, raising their ruffs and increasing movement. They are distrusting of strangers. They sense when a person means you harm. Intelligent, independent and sometimes stubborn, a Čuvač is always alert to what is going on.
A strong willed, independent nature
These are strong willed, independent dogs that need calm, patient, strong willed owners who will put in the time to thoroughly socialize and train them. This is true with many dog breeds, but it is especially true with working dog breeds like the Slovenský Čuvač which when left alone to protect a flock, needed to be able to think for themselves and problem solve. When training a Čuvač you will find they are energized to learn because of their connection and bond with you.
A love of children
Owners of Čuvače will tell you that their dogs love their children. They are extremely patient and tolerant of these smaller members of their flock. Watching over children is as natural as watching over a flock of sheep. But it is important to get your Čuvač as a puppy so that it will grow up with children. It is equally important to teach children how to behave and treat a dog. Poking, teasing, grabbing ears and pulling tails is never good. Train the dog and children early.
Like no other breed
Obviously, not every Slovenský Čuvač has this exact temperament. All dogs have unique personalities which are a combination of inherited traits, inbred temperament, handling, socialization, environmental factors and some personality quirks that just can not be easily explained. But most people who have owned a Čuvač say it is a dog like no other.
